Reservoir Quality and Recoverable Reserves of the Nubian Sandstone in the Saqqara Field, Gulf of Suez, Egypt: Petrophysical Insights for Mature Basin Optimization

This study provides a detailed petrophysical assessment of the Nubian Sandstone reservoir in the Saqqara Field, Gulf of Suez, Egypt, integrating advanced log analysis across four key wells. The research contributes to global reservoir evaluation practices by refining methods for estimating hydrocarbon potential in mature clastic systems. Lithological interpretation, based on neutron-density cross-plots, confirms the dominance of clean sandstone with minimal clay and anhydrite cementation. Thermal analysis indicates a moderate geothermal gradient (~2.75 °C/100 m) and formation temperature (~147 °C), supporting hydrocarbon maturation. The reservoir exhibits excellent quality, with low shale volume (~0.6%), total porosity averaging 13.5%, and high hydrocarbon saturation (~78.5%). Despite variations in permeability, significant net pay zones (ranging from 108.5 to 481.5 ft) offer robust development potential. Using volumetric methods, the estimated hydrocarbons in place reach ~106 billion barrels, with ~31 billion barrels considered recoverable. These findings highlight the strategic value of the Nubian Formation in hydrocarbon planning and underline the critical role of integrated petrophysical analysis in maximizing production efficiency in mature basins.